[Verbs] prepare; get ready, make ready;
make preparations, settle preliminaries, get up, sound the note of preparation.
set in order, put in order (arrange) [more];
forecast (plan) [more]; prepare the ground, plow
the ground, dress the ground; till the soil, cultivate the soil; predispose,
sow the seed, lay a train, dig a mine; lay the groundwork, fix the groundwork,
lay the basis, fix the basis, lay the foundations, fix the foundations; dig the
foundations, erect the scaffolding; lay the first stone (begin) [more].

guard against, make sure against; forearm, make sure, prepare for the evil
day, have a rod in pickle, provide against a rainy day, feather one's nest; lay
in provisions [more]; make investments; keep on
foot.

[Adjectives] preparing; in preparation,
in course of preparation, in agitation, in embryo, in hand, in train; afoot,
afloat; on foot, on the stocks, on the anvil; under consideration (plan) [more]; brewing, batching, forthcoming, brooding; in
store for, in reserve.

in full feather, in best bib and tucker; in harness, at harness; in the
saddle, in arms, in battle array, in war paint; up in arms; armed at all
points, armed to the teeth, armed cap a pie; sword in hand; booted and spurred.

in utrumque paratus, semper paratus; on the alert (vigilant) [more]; at one's post.